Exploring Manus: AI-Driven Planning and Execution for Startups

I’m joined by Min Choi to test if Manus AI can replace your AI tech stack. Throughout the episode, we test Manus AI's capabilities by asking it to create a DocuSign clone, research startup ideas, and analyze website SEO.
Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 02:18 - What is Manus AI?
• 03:58 - Project 1: DocuSign clone
• 16:54 - Project 2: Research Greg’s top startup ideas
• 27:09 - Security concerns with Manus AI 
• 30:16 - Manus bug and reboot 
• 32:06 - Deploying DocuSign Clone
• 39:42 - Project 3: SEO Optimization 
• 44:14 - Discussion of Manus’s Limitations and Scaling issues
• 48:23 - Project 4: Build a Flight Simulator Video Game
• 49:48 - AI companies facing scaling issues
• 52:05 - Where does Manus excel? 
• 53:48 - What Manus was able to accomplish during the episode

Key Points:

• Testing Manus AI by asking it to autonomously research, plan, and execute complex tasks
• Having Manus create a DocuSign clone, research startup ideas, and analyze website SEO
• Manus AI functions as a multi-agent system that can browse websites, write code, and deploy applications with minimal prompting
• The tool has limitations including context windows, deployment issues, and daily usage limits

1) What makes Manus AI different?

Unlike ChatGPT or Claude, Manus is a TRUE AGENT system that:
• Researches, plans, and executes simultaneously
• Controls browsers to gather information autonomously
• Creates full applications from simple prompts
• Deploys working code with minimal guidance

"It's the closest thing to AGI yet" - Min Choi

2) The DocuSign Clone Experiment 

With just a 4-WORD PROMPT ("create a DocuSign clone"), Manus:
• Researched DocuSign's core features
• Created a complete project structure
• Built login, document upload & e-signature functionality
• Generated deployable code

All without templates or boilerplate code!

3) Human-in-the-loop capabilities 

One of the MOST IMPRESSIVE features:
• You can interrupt Manus WHILE it's working
• Refine requirements mid-process
• Add constraints or pivot direction

When they narrowed focus to "just e-signature features," Manus immediately adjusted its plan without starting over.

4) Multi-agent workflow 

Manus feels like having MULTIPLE EMPLOYEES working simultaneously:
• A researcher gathering information
• A PM creating specifications
• A developer writing code
• A marketer analyzing opportunities

It's like an entire team in one tool!

5) Beyond coding: Marketing & Growth 

Manus can also:
• Analyze websites for SEO improvements
• Target specific audiences (like executives)
• Create content strategies
• Scrape data for market research

It's not just about building - it's about GROWING your business too.

6) Current limitations

Manus isn't perfect (yet):
• Context length limitations on complex tasks
• Deployment issues with sophisticated apps
• Daily usage limits (currently ~10 sessions)
• Server load causing errors as popularity grows

It's still beta, but even with limitations, it's REVOLUTIONARY.

7) Security considerations

Since Manus is a Chinese company, there are valid concerns:
• Be mindful of what data you share
• Don't connect personal accounts or payment systems
• Use for learning & experimentation

Min's advice: "Always be careful with the data you share online."

The BIG TAKEAWAY: We're witnessing a fundamental shift in how businesses will be built.

What used to take weeks now takes MINUTES.
What required TEAMS now needs just ONE PERSON with AI.

This is just the beginning of the agent AI revolution.

Notable Quotes:

"I think that we're getting closer and closer to sort of the glimpse into what the AGI is gonna look like." - Min Choi

"It feels like we have like four employees working at the same time... We've got this marketing person. We've got this researcher. We've got this cracked PM slash developer." - Greg Isenberg

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND MIN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/minchoi